One problem related to warning light on has been reported for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2003 Passat.
Following routine maintenance of my vehicle, (tune-up, including replacement of spark plugs and ignition harnesses) my repair shop mechanic reported that the airbag warning light came on and stayed on. He said he was unable to turn it off. I then took the vehicle to a factory-authorized vw dealer and was told the problem was caused by low voltage to the airbag unit, that the battery tested low at 12. 04 volts and they could not reset the code without replacing the battery. I approved new battery purchase, but dealer was unable to make warning light go out, despite recoding the controller . Dealer claimed further testing revealed airbag unit controller had failed and would require replacement at parts cost of $798. 00. I declined to pay that amount. In reply to my question, service rep said he was unable to confirm that airbag(s) would deploy in case of an accident. Since they I have driven vehicle for about one month, and each time I start vehicle a warning sounds, the "airbag failure" notice comes up on the dashboard and the airbag warning signal stays on constantly. I telephoned vw customer service to complain and was told there was no recall on this problem and that since vehicle was nearly 6 years old and out of warranty I would need to assume cost of repair/unit replacement. I said I thought this was a safety failure with vehicle becoming out of compliance with federal safety requirements through no fault or malpractice of the owner (myself) and that vw should assume cost of repairs. Customer service rep said they would look into it and reply. So far no response. Vehicle continues to display airbag warning light.